What’s the first step in planning a shoot?
Send me an email or give me a call, and we can start the process (contact page) . It is often helpful to see renderings or snapshots of the project so I can begin to get a sense of the design goals, and then we can review the scope of the shoot and develop a shot list.

How do you price a shoot?
Generally, photography is based on the usage of the photos. For most in the design industry, the use is all pretty similar. Website, social media, award submissions, and editorial submissions are all common uses in addition to printed materials. I will structure the estimate as Creative Fee plus expenses like assistant and digital post-production. Once I have a sense of the scope of the shoot and how many parties are interested, I can get an estimate together.

What’s your licensing model?
I operate under a Rights Managed business model, which means that the photos are licensed to the clients for specific uses like website, social media, award submissions, and editorial submissions, in addition to printed materials. I retain the copyright, and all uses of my photos must be licensed. It is rarely required to do a transfer of copyright. Most clients’ uses can be figured into a license.

How do you handle shared party shoots?
I add a surcharge to the fee portion of the shoot per additional party with the idea that the total invoice will be split between all sharing parties. It is an excellent way for everyone to save on the shoot. It is always best if parties share in the whole shoot, but we can license individual photos to other parties. An unlimited number of parties can share in a shoot.

How far do you travel?
I travel as far as it is needed. I shoot all across North America often, and international travel is always welcome.

Do you work with an assistant?
I always work with at least one assistant. It helps the shoot go more smoothly if we have an assistant who knows how I work and who can help clean and prepare the space for photography. For out of town shoots, I often find an assistant local to the shoot to save on travel costs. It is always helpful to have someone to research the best place for lunch too!

Do you like people in the photos?
People often add a nice sense of scale and activity to a photo. However, there are things to consider such as who are the people going to be and do we need to get model releases from them. Some spaces like higher education, we may shoot “live”, where we set up and let the activity unfold. In other more controlled spaces like offices, we often shoot the space empty first and then place the people where we want them to be.

How many photos do you do in a day?
Every shoot is different, but we can get between 5 and 15 photos done in a day. It all depends on how ready the spaces are to shoot and how much we need to do.

Do you like having the client on location during the shoot?
I consider the process a collaboration, and I always welcome the client to attend the shoot. The results are always better when I have as much information as possible while we establish the compositions and refine the styling.

Do you work with stylists?
Most of my clients are architects, and they typically know how they want to style a space. Working with stylists is more common on shoots for hotels or advertising. If a stylist is needed, I can recommend someone.

Do you like to scout a project ahead of the shoot?
Scouting will always help get the best results. Knowing more about the project and having the shot list established before the shoot day always helps. I do not charge for local scouts unless it is an all-day scout. 

Do you shoot tethered to a computer?
I prefer to shoot tethered. I take a lot of pride in attention to detail, and having a proper way to see the images up close will always be a benefit. Clients always like to see what we are getting, and it makes the whole process easier.

What equipment do you use?
The primary camera is a 150MP Phase One medium format digital back on Alpa camera bodies. I also use smaller format cameras from Leica and Fuji.

Do you use lighting?
Many photos can be improved with the use of lighting. I use it to help solve technical problems, but also to bring texture and color to important surfaces in the photos. I use Profoto battery-powered strobes for my lighting. Some photographers prefer not to work with lighting, but I feel that it is required in many circumstances. However, there are times when no additional light is needed.

How long have you been in business?
I have been shooting architecture and interiors professionally since I went to work for Tom Crane in 1996. Before that, I was an architect and structural engineer with a degree from Drexel University (’91).

Do you offer drone photography?
I am a licensed FAA Remote Pilot (Part 107) since 2017, and I carry specific liability insurance for the drone as well. Aerial photography opens up a lot of great possibilities for still, and motion captures.

Do you do video?
I have been doing more and more video projects. Let’s discuss what you have in mind.

Do you have any other photographers working with you?
Brian Lauer has been working with me for several years as an assistant, and in 2018 he began shooting architectural projects through my office. He is also available to shoot portraits of your staff if needed.

Who are your primary clients?
Mostly I shoot for architects who design any kind of project from residential to large commercial projects. I also work with many contractors, engineers, manufacturing, and retail clients. Pretty much any company type involved with the design and construction of buildings is likely to be a client.

What’s your typical turn around time for a shoot?
Once a shoot is completed, I will send the client proofs within a few days. Once I hear back from the client about their selections, the post-production takes roughly two weeks, depending on the time of year. We can accommodate rush projects if we know ahead of time what the deadline is. Once the photos are finished, they will be delivered via a download link. 

Do you teach workshops?
I have been teaching at the Palm Beach Photographic Center once a year since 2008. The workshop is five days and is usually in February. I really enjoy teaching since I am mostly self-taught and have learned from others. We always have a great group of attendees. http://www.workshop.org